page_title: Idaho State Bengals
section_title: Football
hierarchical_section_title: Idaho State Bengals / Teams / Football
caption_attribution_description: Holt Arena, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho
context_page_description: The Idaho State Bengals are the varsity intercollegiate athletic teams representing Idaho State University, located in Pocatello, Idaho. The university sponsors thirteen teams including men and women's basketball, cross country, tennis, and track and field; women's-only golf, soccer, softball, and volleyball; and men's-only football. The Bengals compete at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I level and are currently a member institution of the Big Sky Conference. The Bengals' in-state athletic rivals are the Boise State University Broncos and the University of Idaho Vandals.
context_section_description: In the 2009 campaign, Idaho State's football team boasted a one win record, which wasn't an improvement over the 2008 campaign.  ISU football's last winning season was the 2014 campaign when they posted a record of 8–4. Previously they had not had a season above .500 since the 2003 campaign (8–4).
  In October 2009 Idaho State University Director of Athletics Jeff Tingey announced that the contract of head football coach John Zamberlin would be extended for two more years, meaning Zamberin was on the Bengals sidelines manning the program through the 2011 season.
  Hired in late December 2006, Zamberlin's record at ISU is just 4–25. The decision has been highly criticized by many students, faculty, and community members. The administration have stood by their decision, citing an increase in athlete attendance in classes and graduation rates as a direct result of Zamberlin's coaching.
  In 2010, the Bengals went 1–10 overall and 0–8 in the Big Sky Conference. Zamberlin was fired and former Eastern Washington and Montana State coach, Mike Kramer, was hired.
  Idaho State used to enjoy healthy rivalries with both the University of Idaho and Boise State University when all three schools were members of the Big Sky Conference. When both Idaho and BSU left the Big Sky in 1996 to move up to Division I-A, Idaho State University lost their main rivals. Both Idaho and BSU still occasionally play Idaho State in football, however since 1996, both Idaho and BSU's dominance over Idaho State has solidified.  Despite this, many students at both the University of Idaho and at Idaho State University would like to see this rivalry renewed into an annual event.
  Since 1996, an old rivalry with the Weber State University Wildcats of nearby Ogden, Utah has intensified to become ISU's main rival in football. The Bengals also enjoy intense rivalries with both the University of Montana Grizzlies, and Montana State University Bobcats.
caption: Holt Arena, which opened in 1970.
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